Morgantown: A Big 12 Fan's First Trip To "Almost Heaven" Retrospective

Welcome, By-Godders, to The Shotgun/Throwdown: WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions.

Football:

Morgantown, West Virginia: A Big 12 fan’s first trip to ‘Almost Heaven’ | Heartland College Sports
Pete Mundo, of Heartland College Sports, went on the road last weekend, paying a visit to Morgantown, West Virginia to watch the Mountaineers take on the Baylor Bears. He looks back on his trip, including stops at local establishments, game day, and more!

‘Gritty’ WVU football players were aiming for ‘12-3-16’ | Charleston Gazette-Mail
Throughout college football’s regular season, few knew what to make of West Virginia University’s football team.

Mitch Vingle: Miami-WVU matchup certainly inspires memories | Charleston Gazette-Mail
George Orwell had his "1984." Well, call this my "1993" with the subtitle of "1996, 2003 and 2006."

Gross and Crawford Earn Big 12 Weekly Awards | WVU Athletics
Marvin Gross Jr. and Justin Crawford earned weekly awards from the Big 12.

Orlosky Named Rimington Trophy Finalist | WVU Athletics
The Rimington Trophy Committee announced its three 2016 finalists for the most outstanding center in college football, Pat Elflein, Ohio State, Tyler Orlosky, West Virginia and Ethan Pocic, LSU.

Additional Bowl Tickets On Sale in WVU Allotment | WVU Athletics
Additional tickets in the WVU allotment are now on sale to the general public at WVUGAME.com and 1-800-WVU GAME

Basketball:

WVU men’s basketball climbing back up top 25 polls | Charleston Gazette-Mail
The West Virginia University men’s basketball team’s big road win over then-No. 6 Virginia sent the Mountaineers climbing back up the top 25 polls.

Women’s Basketball No. 13 in AP Poll | WVU Athletics
he West Virginia University women’s basketball team climbed three spots to No. 13 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll released on Monday.

Around The Big XII:

ESPN All-Big 12 first-team: Oklahoma Sooners' Heisman finalist lead | ESPN
The Big 12 was once again known for its explosive offenses, so of course Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield and DeDe Westbrook led the way this season.

Big 12 became irrelevant in December because of September | ESPN
In September, the Big 12 was unable to deliver a big non-conference victory, cementing its status at the bottom of the Power 5 playoff pecking order.

Week 14 Big 12 power rankings: Oklahoma Sooners roll through league | ESPN
Although Oklahoma didn't go to the College Football Playoff, its 9-0 whipping of the rest of the Big 12 makes it a no-brainer atop the power rankings.

Though not in playoff, Oklahoma Sooners have season worth celebrating | ESPN
No, the Sooners didn't reach the playoff -- but they are going to the Sugar Bowl, which is where everyone else in the Big 12 wishes they could be.

Around The NCAA:

2016-2017 college football bowl and Playoff schedule, scoreboard, and picks | SBNation
Your one-stop 2016-2017 college football bowl and Playoff calendar, with schedules, scores, and picks

Why each team in the 2016 College Football Playoff will and won’t win the national title | SBNation
A look at the biggest strengths and flaws for each of 2016’s semifinalists: Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, and Washington.

Why Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers shouldn’t be a Heisman finalist | SBNation
Don’t blame Peppers. He didn’t do anything other than play great football. Blame everyone who just wanted to be reminded of Charles Woodson.

40 college football bowl picks: 2016-17’s schedule is loaded with tight matchups | SBNation
Excessive? Sure, but college football’s 2016-17 bowl slate is loaded with tight matchups

Lane Kiffin will be USF’s top head coaching target, if Willie Taggart leaves | SBNation
Alabama’s offensive coordinator is drawing plenty of interest.

WKU’s Jeff Brohm hired to bring creative attack to Purdue as new head coach | SBNation
The coach behind one of the country’s most explosive offenses has a chance to liven up a Big Ten program.

Let's get in the mood for the Russell Athletic Bowl

Today's Miss Throwdown is an American model and Victoria's Secret Angel that has appeared in multiple Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues. CLICK HERE for Chanel Iman's Instagram.